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The truth is that anyone can create game-changing innovations, and these can redefine any part of an organization – from products to business models to processes.
We can learn from the unorthodox thinking found at disruptive startups. Immersive conviction and unexpected perspectives are common at these maverick companies. This thinking has roots in defiance and leads to incredible hidden opportunities.
Five Unexpected Methods of Disruptive Thinking
Chris Barton has identified five ways of thinking that are the foundation of game-changing innovation. He calls them “Start from Zero”. They are fundamentally different than the way our brains are wired to think, and each has a clear methodology.
The first one is thinking from “basic truths”, known by scientists as “first principles thinking”. Aristotle called these “the first basis from which a thing is known.” Building on these fundamental truths is how Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Leonardo Da Vinci came up with their breakthrough ideas.
Why doesn’t everyone do this? Elon Musk says, “It’s mentally easier to reason by analogy rather than from first principles.” By default, people approach problems from the basis of established processes. Our brains are wired this way. As a result, new ideas often generate only slight improvements.
Thinking from basic truths can be employed anytime creative thought is used. The result can be dramatic breakthroughs in products, business models, and business processes.
This is just one of the five unique ways of thinking that drive breakout innovation from Chris Barton. This is the thinking that led to Shazam.
Unleash the game-changing possibilities at your organization. Disrupt your thinking. Supercharge innovation.
In a world where technology has become an integral part of our lives, Chris Barton stands out as a visionary who has not only revolutionized the way we interact with it but has also epitomized the spirit of innovation and perseverance. As the creator of the iconic app Shazam, Barton’s journey from ideation to acquisition […]
In a world where technology has become an integral part of our lives, Chris Barton stands out as a visionary who has not only revolutionized the way we interact with it but has also epitomized the spirit of innovation and perseverance. As the creator of the iconic app Shazam, Barton’s journey from ideation to acquisition by Apple for $400 million is nothing short of remarkable. With a fervent belief in using technology to bring magic into the everyday, Barton has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible, leaving an indelible mark on the tech industry and beyond.
Chris Barton’s upbringing was influenced by his multicultural heritage, with a French mother and British father, both esteemed university professors. However, despite his academic lineage, Barton faced challenges in his own academic journey due to undiagnosed dyslexia. While traditional learning methods posed difficulties for him, Barton’s dyslexia also provided him with a unique perspective and problem-solving approach that would later prove instrumental in his entrepreneurial endeavors.
The inception of Shazam stemmed from Barton’s desire to solve a common problem – identifying songs. Frustrated by the lack of a solution, he embarked on a journey to create an app that could recognize music simply by listening to it. The result was Shazam, a groundbreaking application that seamlessly merged technology and entertainment. Today, with over two billion downloads worldwide, Shazam remains one of the most popular and enduring apps in existence, a testament to Barton’s ingenuity and vision.
Barton’s success with Shazam was just the beginning. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a relentless drive to innovate and disrupt industries. His involvement in the early stages of Google and Dropbox further solidified his reputation as a tech pioneer. Despite facing obstacles along the way, including skepticism and setbacks, Barton’s unwavering commitment to his vision propelled him forward, earning him recognition as a leader in the tech community.
One of Barton’s most inspiring qualities is his ability to turn adversity into advantage. Despite grappling with dyslexia, he refused to let it define him or limit his potential. Instead, he embraced it as a “superpower” that enabled him to think differently and approach problems from unconventional angles. Barton’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that success is not determined by one’s limitations but by one’s ability to harness their unique strengths and persevere in the face of adversity.
In a world where innovation is revered and resilience is celebrated, Chris Barton stands as a shining example of what is possible when passion, creativity, and perseverance intersect. From the creation of Shazam to his ongoing commitment to using technology for social good, Barton’s legacy is one of inspiration, innovation, and impact. As he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, Chris Barton reminds us that the greatest magic lies not in what we can imagine, but in what we can create.
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Dr. Scott Parazynski is a highly decorated physician, astronaut, best-selling author (“The Sky Below”) and tech CEO. He is a widely sought after keynote speaker on innovation, risk management, mentorship and leadership under extreme adversity. Scott has lived and traveled all over the world, spending many of his grade school years in places such as […]
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